frequently asked questions
Prospective students usually have many questions as they begin to explore attending college. This page contains some answers to questions you may have as you navigate what can be a confusing process.
How do I begin as a part-time student?
Most part-time, adult students begin simply by registering for a course. Many are undecided about which degree program to follow. It is alright to be undecided; in fact, sometimes it is desirable. Most courses do not have entry requirements and a number of courses can be used toward every degree program. Good first courses include BHS 103, HIS 104 and WFE 101.
If you are uncertain about your reading, writing and math skills, you may begin by completing the COMPASS test through Academic Services.
If you would like to speak with an advisor before you register, visit the Academic Advising Center, Room 201 in the Student Services Center. It is open on a walk-in basis, M-Th 9-7 and F 9-4.
What is a Matriculated Student?
Matriculated students are those who have applied to the College, declared a major, and have been accepted for admission. Matriculated students are eligible to apply for financial aid. Those students interested in becoming a matriculated student should explore the DCC Admission’s webpage.
Who are Non-Matriculated Students?
Non-matriculated students are those who have not yet been accepted for admission to the college, have not declared a major area of study, or have been suspended from a program because of failure to maintain good academic standing. Courses taken by a non-matriculated student may later count towards a degree assuming that the program has not changed.
How Do I Apply for Admission to DCC?
Enrollment in credit courses at Dutchess Community College is open to all persons whose academic abilities and personal qualifications suggest that they may benefit from college study. Enrollment is determined without regard to the race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation of a student.
If you wish to be admitted to DCC as a full-time matriculated (enrolled in a specific program) student in an associate degree or certificate program, you must have an application for admission on file in the Admissions Office. You can get this application from your high school guidance counselor, you can apply online at sunydutchess.edu/admissions, or you can call the Office of Admissions (845) 431-8010.If you would like to matriculate as a part-time student, please call the Office of the Registrar (845) 431-8020 to have an application sent to you, or apply online.
You are considered a full-time student if you are taking 12 or more credits and a part-time student if you are taking 11 or less credits.
Note: Specific dates and deadlines for the registration process are published each semester by the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, and are posted on the web.
How do I Apply for Financial Aid?
If you wish to apply for financial aid to help with the payment of your tuition, you should begin the application process at least eight (8) weeks before the beginning of classes. To be eligible for financial aid, you must be accepted to DCC as a matriculated student in an eligible degree program. For more information about financial aid, refer to the Office of Financial Aid web page where they have a FAQ section, or call the office at (845) 431-8040 and request a “Financing Your Education” brochure. Both full- and part-time students are eligible for financial aid, although aid is limited for part-time students.
Review the steps in the financial aid application process on the Financial Aid website. You can begin the application process by filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Does DCC Offer Scholarships?
The College offers numerous scholarships to qualified students, including one that offers full-tuition for four semesters to anyone who graduates in the top ten percent of their graduating class in Dutchess County. If you call the Financial Aid Office at (845) 431-8030 they will send you a scholarship booklet, or you can go to the Scholarship Page on our website, sunydutchess.edu and click on Financial Aid.
What is Placement Testing?
Dutchess Community College offers admission to those applicants who hold a high school diploma or GED that is accredited by an agency recognized by New York State. To ensure that entering students have the greatest chance for academic success at DCC, first-time matriculated students, or those reactivating their matriculation after a one-year absence, are required to take basic skill placement tests in writing, reading, arithmetic and elementary algebra. The results are intended to help academic advisors recommend specific coursework for each student's upcoming semester. To find out more about Placement Testing, also called COMPASS or ASSET testing, and to find out when the tests are offered, go to sunydutchess.edu and click on Placement Testing.
Students who test below college level in the three basic skill areas (reading, writing and math) will be required to register for at least one appropriate learning skills course before or during their first semester of full-time study.
Placement tests are normally taken after you have been accepted to Dutchess but before the scheduling of your first semester courses. You should expect to receive information on placement testing beginning in February for the fall semester and October for the Spring Semester.
If you do not have a high school diploma or a GED recognized by NYS (please note: IEP Diplomas are not recognized by NYS), you will be required to achieve certain scores on these tests in order for you to enroll in classes at DCC. These tests are designed for you to demonstrate that you have the ability to succeed in college.
How Are My Courses Scheduled?
If you are a full-time applicant, after taking the placement test you will be given an appointment to register. Applicants who have been waived from testing will receive an appointment from the Admissions Office to register. At your appointment, you will meet with an advisor who will assist you with your course selection. Your schedule will be entered into the computer system at the end of your appointment. Part-time matriculated or non-matriculated students interested in receiving advisement may contact the Office of the Registrar. You can also schedule classes by making an appointment with an advisor, by visiting the Advisement Center, by phone or mail through the Office of the Registrar, or at In-Person Registration
What is Academic Advising?
Academic Advisement allows you an opportunity to meet with an advisor to discuss your interests, educational and career goals, and coursework for the upcoming semester.
How Will I Know That My Registration is Complete?
Once the registration process has been completed, the College will issue you a schedule that lists class times, room assignments, and instructor names.
When is My Tuition Payment Due?
Students who have scheduled their classes and have met all immunization requirements may then process their tuition payment. Tuition bills are mailed to students' permanent addresses approximately 60 days prior to the start of classes.
Payment consists of the submission of the tuition bill, the certificate of residence as required, and tuition payment. Payment may be in the form of cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, or other approved deferrals. Specific information will accompany the bill.
For more information regarding the billing process please contact the Student Accounts Office at (845) 431-8060.
Are There Any Health Requirements to Being a Student at DCC?
To protect the health and well-being of the campus community, New York State Law requires students born on or after January 1, 1957 to have health and immunization information on file with the College Health Service. Any matriculated or non-matriculated student taking more than five credit hours is required to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. Proof of immunity to these three diseases must be on file before you are allowed to register. Proof can be obtained through valid immunizations and positive blood tests. A physician can verify a history of measles or mumps.
For the following diseases, proper immunization is defined as:
Measles: Two vaccinations after your first birthday and after January 1, 1968. These vaccinations must be at least 30 days apart. A Blood test that proves immunity or physician documentation including the date you had the disease is also acceptable.
Mumps: At least one vaccination after your first birthday (a vaccination for mumps was not available until after 1969) or a blood test that proves immunity or physician documentation, including the date you had the disease.
Rubella: At least one vaccination after your first birthday (a vaccination for rubella was not available until 1969) or a blood test that proves immunity.
|
